Related Expert's Opinion

“With age comes wisdom.” And many women prefer that intellect give away their age—not the creases and ridges on their face. The beauty industry is filled with products and “miracle” creams promising to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But prior to reversing damage, women must take note of preventative measures. Why not work to prevent wrinkles, instead of waiting for the future battle? Here’s how to prevent creases from creeping up in the future.

Sleeping Beauty

Though it us difficult to change sleeping habits, if you don’t sleep on your back—try to! Sleep lines are tough to get rid of. And though a good nights rest is needed for a youthful appearance, it doesn’t end there. Your position makes a difference when hitting the sack! Avoid sleeping on your face or side with your skin all scrunched up in your sheets. This will help prevent lines on your face, especially in areas prone to wrinkles.

Beautify Gently

When applying makeup or washing it off before bed, try to be gentle. Don’t rub around your eyes to wash out excessive eyeliner and mascara. Be gentle around the eyes. Don’t use harsh towels, avoid vigorously scrubbing your face or stretching your skin daily to apply makeup in sensitive areas. Take your time!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

How do you know if you are prone to wrinkles and in which areas? Look at an older family member’s face—especially your mother. If you suspect an upcoming battle with creases in your future, speak to your dermatologist about preventative measures like Botox. Botox treatments can be used to prevent wrinkles for women in their 20s and 30s. It is a great time to start preventing wrinkles on the upper area of the face.

Kiss Lip Lines Goodbye

Want to avoid lip lines? Don't drink from a straw repeatedly, smoke or constantly blow bubbles with bubble gum.Activities that cause you to pucker or purse your lips may result in added lines. If you are prone to lip lines— again observing family members to see if you might be genetically predisposed—avoid pursing your lips. To further prevent lip lines, don't get electrolysis. I see many patients years after they have had electrolysis developing pitted scars and wrinkles on their upper lip. It is a nonspecific heat probe, so as it’s killing the hair, it can inadvertently kill some collagen too.It’s rare, but it does happen.Try laser hair removal to remove hair or just bleach, thread, wax or shave.

Maintain Protection

It is a given that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging measures. However, many people forget to reapply.Sunscreen only lasts 2-3 hours, so keep a powder sunscreen in your bag and reapply throughout the day. I personally recommend Colorescience, a product I use myself for this purpose.

About the Expert
RebeccaBaxt, MD, MBA, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in both cosmetic and general dermatology for adults and children. Attending Ivy League University of Pennsylvania,Dr.Baxtgraduated Summa Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in English Literature.She continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania for medical school and completed an internship in Intern l Medicine. She also obtained an MBA from the Wharton School of Management in Health Care administration.